Hayashi Megumi’s Reunion ②
Read it before bed!
I’m going to sleep, though.
The next day, I called Kakogawa-sensei, nicknamed Kako-chan, who should’ve been at school. I’d gotten her number from Akari the night before.
After a few rings, Kako-chan picked up.
“Hello? Is this Kakogawa-sensei’s phone?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Sensei, it’s me. Hayashi Megumi.”
“Eh, Meg? Did you change your number?”
“Yeah, some stuff happened.”
“Really? It’s been ages, hasn’t it? What’s up?”
“I’m back at my parents’ place today, and I just really wanted to see you again, Kako-chan.”
“Sure.”
“Is it okay if I come by the school? It’s been a year.”
Kako-chan happily agreed to my request.
She didn’t have any classes around late morning, so we arranged to meet then.
I hopped on the local train, feeling a bit nostalgic.
And so, I headed to the school.
When I arrived, students in gym clothes were running toward the schoolyard, probably for P.E. class.
I caught the eyes of a few students. Some faces looked familiar. They’re probably third-years now, the grade below ours.
I slipped on some guest slippers at the school and made my way to the staff room.
Being back in my old school, after having left it behind, felt a little bittersweet. My chest tightened with the sensation.
“Excuse me.”
“Hey! Oh, Meg, you’re here.”
“Yeah, it’s been a while, Kako-chan.”
…Now that I think about it.
Kako-chan was our homeroom teacher during our third year. She’s forty-two this year, with a smile so beautiful that we used to joke she must’ve been super popular back in the day.
“Come on, let’s head to the meeting room. I’ve got some snacks and tea.”
“Really? I feel kinda bad.”
“It’s fine. I’m on a diet right now.”
“Well, in that case… I’ll take you up on it.”
The meeting room.
Kako-chan and I sat across from each other on heavy sofas. On the table were the snacks and tea she’d brought.
“It really has been a while. It’s only been, what, a little over six months since you all graduated, but it feels longer.”
“Totally. Walking through the school again almost made me cry from nostalgia.”
“Oh, no way! You can’t cry like you did at graduation and ruin your makeup again.”
“Ugh, I told you to forget about that…”
I pouted a little.
Kako-chan laughed, looking like she was having the time of her life.
“But seriously, what’s going on? I was honestly a bit worried. You stopped answering my calls out of nowhere.”
“…Yeah.”
I hesitated at Kako-chan’s gentle probing.
How much should I even tell her?
…Only four people know that I was abused by my ex, dropped out of college, and am now staying at Yamamoto’s place.
My parents.
Akari.
And Yamamoto.
That’s it.
…I only want to tell people I trust.
But when I think about it, Kako-chan… Back in high school, when I was deep in my rebellious phase, she was like a parent to me, always there with kindness.
In other words, she’s someone I can trust.
“I was living with my boyfriend.”
“…Oh?”
“But we broke up. He was abusive.”
…I thought I was okay now.
Thanks to Yamamoto, I believed I’d started to overcome my past trauma, at least a little.
But right now, as I spoke, I couldn’t lift my face. I didn’t want Kako-chan to see me on the verge of tears.
“I dropped out of college too… It was rough back then. But someone saved me. And that’s why I’m here, finally able to see you again.”
“That’s a relief.”
Sensei said it with a kind expression.
“This person who helped you… Is it someone I know?”
“…Maybe.”
“That’s vague. But you’re not denying it, so… one of our students?”
“Yeah. I ran into him by chance. He’s stubborn, always spouting nonsense, and I hated him back in high school. But now, I’m nothing but grateful.”
I couldn’t bring myself to say there was more to it than that.
“Hey, Meg?”
Kako-chan looked at me with a skeptical expression.
“I might be totally off here, and I’m sorry if I am, but… could it be, maybe…”
“…Kako-chan?”
“Is it… Yamamoto-kun?”
I was genuinely shocked.
The first shock was that Sensei even remembered Yamamoto.
Back in high school, Yamamoto wasn’t exactly the standout type. Sure, he was in her class, but it was still surprising.
The second shock was that Kako-chan connected me to Yamamoto.
She probably knew I couldn’t stand him back then. Our relationship was worse than oil and water. For her to even think of us in the same breath was wild.
And the third shock…
Was that Kako-chan probably thought highly of Yamamoto.
Though, when I think about it, it’s not that strange.
Back in high school, he always aced tests and was diligent in class.
His reputation with the teachers… Well, let’s not go there, for Yamamoto’s dignity.
“Yeah. How’d you guess?”
I decided to voice my surprise honestly.
Knowing Kako-chan, I figured she’d be delighted by this.
But her expression was somehow… wistful.
“…I see. That’s great, Meg. I’m glad Yamamoto-kun was there for you.”
“…Kako-chan?”
“Sorry. Hearing his name just brought back some memories.”
“Of what?”
“…I really did something awful to Yamamoto-kun.”
Kako-chan murmured, her voice tinged with loneliness.
I’m finishing this chapter today!
I have no ideas for the next chapter!!!
I’m in trouble! Like, seriously!!!!
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